The Cellar: Great Reds for Under $20
Friday, December 10, 2010
Believe it or not, when given the option more wine drinkers prefer red to white (in fact, 47% of all wine sold in 2009 were red varieties). This time of year, that's truer still. Wine drinkers consume more medium- to full-bodied red wines in the holiday season, as the weather gets colder.
With this in mind, this week features three red wines to stock up on. I have decided to go with three “New World” wine-producing countries - Australia, South Africa and our very own United States - spotlighting varietals famous to those countries.
Sonoma Star: 2007 Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon - $17
The background: Nothing says American red wine like Californian Cabernet. The warm climate in the Golden State allows for extended grape-hanging time, thereby achieving optimal ripeness. The increased time on the vine also allows for the tannins to mature and makes for a lusher and softer Cabernet Sauvignon than you would find in other parts of the world.
The wine: Louis M. Martini has been around since the 1930’s and is considered one of the big Californian wine producers. This is a great, easy-drinking, everyday Californian Cabernet Sauvignon. Soften the tannins for a smoother drinking experience by pouring this wine into a decanter a couple of hours before serving it. I detect black cherries and sweet plum aromas on the nose, as well as on the palate, but there are also hints of spice. And chocolate? Find out for yourself.
South African Standout: 2008 Kanonkop Kadette - $15
The background: Wine has been made in South Africa for more than three centuries, but only since sanctions were lifted in 1991 did this wine arrive on the world scene (and has been getting more popular ever since). Though the majority of wine produced in South Africa is white, red wine exports are on the move. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and an interesting cross between Cinsaut and Pinot Noir called ‘Pinotage’, are the main grapes leading the charge. Pinotage is especially interesting to try, if you want to explore new and exciting varietals.
The wine: There is only 10% Cabernet Franc in this Pinotage-based blend, but boy does that come through on the nose! This wine is loaded with herbs, and can come across quite funky. Not your average sweet and fruity aromas that you might be used to. But give it a taste and you will be pleasantly surprised. On the palate it is more Pinot Noir like, but the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot has clearly given the wine some weight and gives it a smooth finish. That is probably the best way for me to describe this wine. This wine has rested for 16 months in French oak prior to bottling, which has resulted in a well-integrated, multilayered wine.
Australian Awe: 2005 Kurtz Family ‘Boundary Row’ Shiraz $19
The background: Let’s get one thing straight: Syrah and Shiraz is the same grape. Some say the grape originally got its name from the Persian city of Shiraz, where it supposedly is from, and morphed into "Syrah" via Greece, to France. Australia makes amazing, thick, soft, syrupy Shiraz-based wines. One of the reasons they are so well-liked in the United States is because they (generally) are very gentle on the palate with soft tannins, but still full-bodied and very fruit-forward wines saturated with deep berry flavors. The Barossa valley, where the next wine is from, is the oldest and most famous wine region in Australia. You can never go wrong with a Shiraz from Barossa!
The wine: This is one intense wine! Definitely one that you should get a case of and see evolve over the next decade. It is far from your everyday Australian fruit bomb – this wine has substance and is loaded with dark fruits, pepper and leather. There is a hint of sweetness on the initial attack, but then the massive dark and deliciously bitter fruit covers your tongue, like a plum that is just a little underripe. The transition into the finish is flawless and lingers forever. This is one incredibly smooth effort. The tannins are there, but they are very well integrated.
Besides from writing about wine Steffen Rasch also consults, hosts lessons, tastings and other types of wine events privately, as well as for businesses. If you are interested in knowing more please contact [email protected].
